Hotel Industry News

PhocusWire's in-depth coverage of the hotel sector, featuring news, analysis, interviews, research and more on B&Bs, hotels, guesthouses and other property types.

The hotel sector is undergoing significant transformation, powered by new technologies, evolving guest expectations, and a renewed focus on direct booking and operational efficiency. PhocusWire delivers the latest hotel industry news, covering the strategies and innovations shaping the future of global hospitality.

Hotel chain developments, hospitality trends, and market shifts

Stay updated on how hotel brands are expanding, restructuring, and embracing digital platforms to elevate the guest experience. From contactless check-in and AI-powered pricing to loyalty evolution and branded residential offerings, our coverage tracks the industry’s response to changing demand and competitive pressure.

cardlytics-us-travel-spend
News / Online
Travel spending in the U.S. ticks up, led by alternative lodging
By Mitra Sorrells | July 2, 2020
Cardlytics, a platform that says it has insight into half of all U.S. card swipes, says travel spending is rebounding after bottoming out in April. Read More
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Chicago
News / Distribution
REPORT: COVID-19 Hotel Forecast - Chicago
By PhocusWire | July 1, 2020
The state should be commended for creating a plan, clearly defining the metrics required to be met in order to advance to the next phase and continually communicating progress by publishing a robust... Read More
Huge ground for hospitality industry to make up in Black representation
News / Online
Huge ground for hospitality industry to make up in Black representation
By Linda Fox | June 30, 2020
Almost one in five people (19%) working in the hospitality industry are Black, but a review of 630 hotel companies reveals that 84% do not include any executives from the Black community. Read More
Airbnb claims Amsterdam rental ban "violates" rights of residents
News / Online
Airbnb claims Amsterdam rental ban "violates" rights of residents
By Kevin May | June 29, 2020
The three districts in question have around 1,500 private accommodation rental properties for tourists - around 6% of the amount available in the entire city. Read More
How one startup used the downtime to improve life for travel buyers and suppliers
News / Startups
How one startup used the downtime to improve life for travel buyers and suppliers
By Linda Fox | June 29, 2020
The team at vintage car tour company Nowaday has spent the downtime created by COVID-19 to build an online workplace for travel buyers and suppliers. Read More
VIDEO: Where the next great travel company will emerge
News / Technology
VIDEO: Where the next great travel company will emerge
By Kevin May | June 29, 2020
An individual iPhone 10 in 2020 contains more computing power than every computer in 1986 on the planet - that's a fact that is often hard to get your head around. Read More
Hotel distribution post-pandemic - How not to throw caution to the wind
From Our Partners / Distribution
Hotel distribution post-pandemic - How not to throw caution to the wind
By Nir Dupler - Fornova | June 29, 2020
With travel now opening up at a tethering pace after months of no demand, the hospitality industry is in survival mode. Shaving costs swiftly and effectively is the need of the hour.  Read More
How travel brands can communicate, establish trust and build loyalty in a crisis
From Our Partners / Online
How travel brands can communicate, establish trust and build loyalty in a crisis
By Kevin May | June 29, 2020
PhocusWire spoke to Salesforce about how the company helped many of its customers through the COVID-19 outbreak and what lessons should be noted by those looking to be better prepared for disruption of... Read More
Restoring confidence to travel: 5 tech solutions to help customers feel safe again
From Our Partners / Online
Restoring confidence to travel: 5 tech solutions to help customers feel safe again
By Jennifer Phillips April - Smartvel | June 29, 2020
With frequent changes and no single source of information, the travel industry is in a quandary. How can it communicate the most up-to-date information with their customers and help them feel confident? Read More
Using data to inform your hotel's rebound and recovery
From Our Partners / Distribution
Using data to inform your hotel's rebound and recovery
By Cori Uddenberg - Screen Pilot | June 29, 2020
The age of coronavirus is high on questions and low on answers. Many of the challenges COVID-19 brought with it have no precedent, leaving brands scrambling for solutions.   Read More
Tripadvisor quietly tests consumer-to-travel agent service Reco
News / Online
Tripadvisor quietly tests consumer-to-travel agent service Reco
By Kevin May | June 26, 2020
The service works on both desktop and via a smartphone app for Apple devices, giving travelers access to a portfolio of agents for a $199 fee each time. Read More
InPhocus, episode 15 - Racial diversity should be the challenge we accept and win
News / Online
InPhocus, episode 15 - Racial diversity should be the challenge we accept and win
By PhocusWire | June 26, 2020
We speak to Jamie-Lee Abtar, executive director of U.K.-based BAME Women In Travel, to learn more about the organization and what new steps brands should be considering. Read More
sevenrooms-50-million
News / Technology
SevenRooms raises $50M to expand its hotel guest experience platform
By Mitra Sorrells | June 25, 2020
SevenRooms has raised a $50 million Series B round with Providence Strategic Growth.    Read More
WEBINAR REPLAY! Steering the comeback: Hotel revenue management recovery planning
News / Distribution
WEBINAR REPLAY! Steering the comeback: Hotel revenue management recovery planning
By PhocusWire | June 25, 2020
The hotel sector is gradually transitioning into a new phase of the coronavirus crisis that will see many properties consider how they can reopen and welcome guests. Read More
Sabre indicates "modest" recovery signs but air bookings still slammed
News / Distribution
Sabre indicates "modest" recovery signs but air bookings still slammed
By Kevin May | June 25, 2020
"The environment remains uncertain, with reductions in airline capacity and a volatile macro environment," Sabre says in an unscheduled update to investors this week. Read More
The Phocuswright Conference 2026